Known as one of the great wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal which means, “Crown Palace” is located in the city of Agra in the Uttar Pradesh region of northern India. The full height of the Taj Mahal is 561 feet and it took 20 years to build and was completed in 1653. The structure serves as a mausoleum containing the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal, the third and favorite wife of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. She died first and was buried in this ornate building that her loving husband built for her on a promise he made to her as she lay dying after giving birth. When he finally passed away he was buried next to her.
Visitors by the thousands come each year to stare in wonder and take photographs like the one I took with my iPhone. Why am I sending you the picture of a tourist destination? Because I am reminded that they buried Jesus in a tomb which could not keep Him down. This Easter we will celebrate a Risen Savior! Thank God, there is no tomb where we go to memorialize Jesus. This is what gives us hope, but so much of the world has never heard of this hope. Here in India the people are caught in the perpetual fear of trying to live a good enough life so that when they die they will be able to come back in this life to a better situation than when they left. The bible is clear that we die once and then face judgment. There is no bettering our situation other than admitting we are sinners and accepting what Jesus did for us on the cross.
Please pray that the Word of God will go out and bring in a great harvest for Jesus here in India and Nepal where our team is right now.
Blessings,
Pastor Dale